Wickham Park in Manchester, CT is open for the season! April 3rd was opening day for Wickham Park, and what a glorious day it was! Wickham Park has to be one of the most beautiful parks in the world, and it's right in our backyard on the Manchester/East Hartford town line.
The original park of 130 acres was the Wickham family estate and was known as the Pines. When Clarence Wickham's widow, Edith died in 1960, the estate was designated as a park which officially opened on July 1, 1961.
Over the years, through other donations and land acquisitions, the Wickham Park has grown to 250 acres. Most of the park's maintenance is taken care of by a trust fund established by the Wickham Family, but some of the expenses are offset by fees and donations.
Major attractions of Wickham Park include:
- Bird Sanctuary
- The Aviary
- Gardens
- Disc Golf and Sports Facilities
- Tennis
- Picnic Areas
- Playgrounds
- Nature Center
Wickham Park was always a favorite spot for taking wedding pictures, but with the addition of a gazebo, rose walk, and outdoor tent area for catered events, Wickham Park is now a sought-after location for weddings.
The park is open during the season seven days a week. Parking is $3 per car on Monday and Tuesday; $4 on Wednesday through Friday; and $5 on weekends and holidays. Of course, you can walk in or ride your bike in for free.
Whether you are planning a picnic, wedding, or volleyball game, or just looking for a place to sit, stroll, and enjoy nature, Wickham Park is the perfect spot. For additional information on activities, hours, parking fees, or reservations, visit their website.
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Peggy Chirico, REALTOR®
Serving the Greater Hartford Area
Prudential CT Realty
peggychirico@gmail.com
860-748-8900
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What a lovely park, Peggy. The little bridge is really pretty :)
Debi
Thanks, Debi! I'm glad you enjoyed it! When everything is in bloom, it is even prettier!
Hi Peggy, Thanks for sharing this wonderful park and the photos that represent it. I can see by the fresh green and the flowers, it is spring there and in full bloom.
I love the daffodils, and I think I see a great blue heron in that second picture!
Thanks, William - I'm sure you would have gotten really good pictures with your camera!
Hi Russel - I'll take more pictures when things are really in bloom--it's just beautiful there.